We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Lester B Pearson International. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 25 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 90 min. International-to-International: 75 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Lester B Pearson International.

Toronto Pearson is a major Star Alliance hub for Air Canada, split between two large terminals connected by an automated train. Connections are generally manageable but complicated by Canada's extensive US Preclearance operation, which can add significant time for anyone connecting onto a US-bound flight. The Link Train, an automated people mover, connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in about 8-10 minutes of ride time, but factoring in walking to and from platforms and waiting, allow 20-25 minutes between the farthest gates. Passengers connecting from an international arrival onto a US-bound flight must clear Canadian customs/immigration and then US Preclearance (full US CBP screening) before reaching the departure gate, which is the single biggest time sink in the building.

Still well under YYZ's minimum connection times, especially if a terminal change or customs clearance is involved. See full 30 min guide →

Matches the domestic-domestic MCT exactly, so it's the bare minimum and leaves no margin for delays. See full 45 min guide →

Meets the domestic-international MCT and is generally sufficient for most same-terminal connections. See full 1 hr guide →

Covers the international-international MCT and gives reasonable buffer for the Link Train transfer. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Meets the international-domestic MCT, enough time to clear Canadian customs and reach a domestic or Precleared gate. See full 1½ hr guide →

Solid buffer for any connection type, including international arrival into US Preclearance departure. See full 2 hr guide →

Very safe window that absorbs delays in customs, Preclearance, or terminal transfer. See full 2½ hr guide →

Ample time for even the most complex international-to-US-Preclearance itinerary with room to spare. See full 3 hr guide →

Excess time; consider airport lounges or amenities as there's no connection risk at this length. See full 4 hr guide →